Great question & concern.
For our industry here in Wisconsin, there isn't really an issue as we have very few bowling centers of the demographic that acquisition will impact membership.
It is, however, a very big issue to other state associations with a large concentration of larger centers owned by big companies. This is because of how our national association (Bowling Proprietors' Association of America) handles large corporate ("chain") centers. I know my colleague in Illinois has struggled with this issue over the past couple of years.
Probably too much to try to explain here, but I'd be happy to have a phone conversation if you would like to give me a call. (Or maybe we can catch up and discuss at the upcoming Innovation Summit in Madison.)
Yvonne
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Yvonne Bennett CAE, SHRM-SCP
Executive Director
Bowling Centers Association of Wisconsin
Pewaukee WI
(262) 783-4292 (101)
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-12-2017 16:46
From: Erica Halmstad
Subject: How Do Business Acquisitions Affect Membership?
Hi All:
I've become interested in the trend of business acquisitions and mergers in the U.S. and I'm currently researching how trade associations are handling membership fluctuations when companies keep consolidating within an industry.
How is this accelerating trend affecting your association--membership or otherwise?
What strategies do you recommend when the membership is declining due to one industry company merging or acquiring another?
Thank you!
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Erica Halmstad
Association Marketing Manager
National Fluid Power Association
(414) 510-2883 c
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